Launch System

Rocket Segment

Rocket Segment Overview

The Zenit-3SL rocket is a modern, heavy-lift vehicle capable of delivering large commercial spacecraft accurately to a range of orbits. The Zenit-3SL integrated launch vehicle is a liquid-propellant launch vehicle consisting of three stages plus the payload unit. The Zenit-3SL can deliver 6,160 kilograms to the standard reference geosynchronous transfer orbit. The Zenit-3SL payload unit accommodates spacecraft up to 7,300 kilograms in a 4.1 meter diameter fairing. Detailed performance information and interface capability can be found in the Sea Launch User's Guide.

Designed for a high degree of pre-launch automation, this reliable rocket features subsystems designed with conservative margins and redundant architectures.The three stages of the Zenit-3SL are derived from proven systems. The development of the Zenit-3SL was primarily an integration of those existing elements along with select modifications to accommodate operations at sea. Strict adherence to existing government and company standards for design and verification ensured the successful development and qualification of the elements and of the overall launch vehicle.